There’s nothing quite like the comforting layers of a homemade Easy Lasagna—rich meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this classic dish is always a winner. And the best part? This version keeps things simple without sacrificing any of that delicious, hearty flavor. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!
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Why You’ll Love Easy Lasagna
This isn’t just any lasagna—it’s a stress-free, foolproof version that still delivers all the amazing flavors you crave. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed, just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, refrigerate or freeze, and bake when ready.
Perfectly Balanced: A mix of savory meat, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese makes every bite irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves lasagna!
One-Dish Meal: No need for multiple sides, this is a complete meal on its own.
Ingredients in Easy Lasagna
This lasagna is made with simple, classic ingredients that bring maximum flavor:
Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of the dish—no-boil noodles make this even easier.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds a hearty, savory flavor to the sauce. You can also use a mix of both!
Marinara Sauce: A jar of high-quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce keeps things simple.
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy layer that balances out the meatiness. You can also use cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a creamy, rich texture.
Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring out all the flavors.
Instructions
Let’s break it down step by step:
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, an egg, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. This layer adds creamy richness to the lasagna.
Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until you reach the top, finishing with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna
Lasagna is already a hearty meal, but here are some great ways to serve it:
With Garlic Bread: A crusty, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make great sides.
Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and swap ricotta for cottage cheese.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
A1: Yes! No-boil noodles make this recipe even easier, and they absorb the sauce beautifully.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a béchamel sauce instead.
Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze cooked lasagna?
A4: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
A5: Drain excess grease from the meat, don’t overdo the sauce, and let the lasagna rest before cutting.
Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that your sauce is gluten-free.
Q7: What’s the best cheese for lasagna?
A7: Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are the classics, but feel free to add provolone or fontina for extra richness.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
A8: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers all work great.
Q9: Do I have to cover the lasagna while baking?
A9: Yes, at first! Covering it helps prevent the cheese from burning. Removing the foil in the last 15 minutes gives a nice golden top.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Of course! Just use a larger baking dish or make two batches to freeze one for later.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Easy Lasagna, you’ll never go back to store-bought frozen versions! It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic dish always delivers. So grab your ingredients, layer up, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Print
Easy Lasagna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Lasagna is a simple, delicious, and foolproof recipe for busy weeknights! With just a few ingredients ground beef, spaghetti sauce, lasagna noodles, and mozzarella you’ll have a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 16-ounce block of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 uncooked lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cheese: Grate the mozzarella cheese and set aside.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Make the sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef. Pour ½ cup of water into the empty sauce jar, swirl to loosen remaining sauce, and add it to the pan. Let the sauce simmer over low heat, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Spread ⅓ of the meat sauce into an 8×10-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the noodles.
- Repeat the layering process one more time.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
- Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg